Results Of Platelet Rich Plasma in Management Of Early Knee Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease leading to pain and functional limitation. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a potential regenerative treatment for early-stage OA.
Aim: This retrospective study analyzes the effectiveness of PRP in managing early knee osteoarthritis based on a review of medical records of Department of Orthopaedics.
Methods: Medical records of 60 patients who underwent PRP treatment at Government Medical College Baramulla, Kashmir in the Department of Orthopaedics over a period of one year, were reviewed. Patient data, including demographic details, pain scores, and functional outcomes, were extracted from follow-up records spanning 24 weeks. Outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for function.
Results: Pain scores and functional assessments, as documented in clinical records, indicated significant improvement following PRP therapy. Mean VAS scores decreased from 7.2 ± 1.1 at baseline to 3.5 ± 0.9 at 24 weeks. WOMAC scores showed a corresponding functional improvement from 58.4 ± 7.6 to 32.1 ± 6.4. No severe adverse events were recorded in the reviewed data.
Conclusion: This retrospective analysis suggests that PRP is associated with pain relief and functional improvement in early knee osteoarthritis. However, further controlled and prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and establish standardized treatment protocols.